SHOULD I MIC MY BASS AMP OR GO DIRECT?

For recording bass guitar, you have three main options: plugging your bass directly into your recording device, plugging your amp directly into your recording device or putting a microphone in front of your amp.

Direct Recording - Bass to Recording Device

Think of this as a "clean" signal. You plug your bass straight into an interface, which captures the pure sound without any influence from an amp or a room. This method is incredibly popular because it's simple and quiet—no loud amp needed! The signal you get is clear and full, perfect for shaping later with computer plugins that can make it sound like it's coming from any amp you want.

Direct Recording - Bass Amp to Recording Device

Recording directly from a bass amplifier is a streamlined process that captures the amplifier's unique tone without using a microphone. You will need to connect an XLR cable (microphone cable) to the direct out on your amplifier and connect the other end to your audio interface. Adjust the gain on the audio interface to ensure a strong, clean signal without clipping. This approach allows you to dial in your sound without the worry of picking up unwanted background noise.

Micing Your Amp

This method is all about capturing the "real" sound. You place a microphone in front of your bass amp's speaker to record its unique tone. This gives the bass a natural, live feel that's full of character. It adds a bit of grit and warmth that's hard to get with just DI. However, it requires a good microphone, a quiet room, and a place where you can turn up your amp without disturbing anyone.

Why Not Both?

Many pros actually do both at the same time. They record a clean DI track and a miked amp track. This gives them total control when mixing. They can use the DI track for a solid, clear low-end and blend in the miked track for a touch of warmth and personality. This combination gives you the best of both worlds!